Welsie Howard

Welsie Jane Howard, 89 of Chamberlain, passed away on the morning of Sunday, September 26, 2021 at Chase Point in Damariscotta.  Born on October 27, 1931 in LaGrange, Illinois she was a daughter of the late Arthur D. and Welsie (Smith) Swanson.

Welsie grew up in LaGrange until age 16 when she moved to Manhasset, New York with her mother to live with her aunt and uncle.  She was a graduate of Manhasset High School and the Katharine Gibbs School in New York City.

On November 24, 1951 she married John F. Howard, Sr.  For more than thirty years, she was the secretary for the Congregational Church of Huntington in Centerport, New York.  Welsie and John moved to Maine after their retirement in 1999.  Welsie was a volunteer at the Bristol Area Library and Miles Memorial Hospital.  She will be remembered as an avid animal lover, especially of cats.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of sixty-eight years who died on December 4, 2019; and her son, John F. Howard, Jr. who died on February 2, 2021.

Welsie is survived by her children: Daniel D. Howard and his wife Karen of Williamsville, NY; Robert K. Howard and his wife Joanne of Southampton, NY; and Jane Howard Lazaras and her husband Matthew of Pooler, GA; as well as nine grandchildren.

Private services will be held at the convenience of her family.  Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Welsie’s memory to the Bristol Area Library, PO Box 173, New Harbor, ME 04554; or to Midcoast Humane, 190 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, Maine 04011.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543.  Condolences, and messages for her family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

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